New Tour Operator Passage Journeys Launches Inaugural Collection

Starting in 2027, travelers will have a new option for small group guided land journeys — one that prioritizes in-depth experiences designed by renowned experts with deep personal ties to each destination.

Passage Journeys is a new tour operator brand focused on premium small group itineraries in popular tourist destinations such as Italy, Japan, and France, as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Bhutan. The company is backed by Certares, a private equity platform with investments in travel brands like G Adventures, AmaWaterways, and Internova Travel Group.

Kristen Dennison, general manager of Passage Journeys, spoke to Travel Market Report in an exclusive interview about the new brand. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, including five years as TrovaTrip’s vice president of trip experience, Dennison brings to the role a deep understanding of the market.

Dennison told TMR she believes the group travel space has been experiencing a “renaissance” over the last decade — one that Passage Journeys is poised to carve out a distinctive niche within the premium land tour space with its unique approach to building themed itineraries. Stating that their itineraries weren’t “off-the-rack” tours, she explained that the Passage Journeys approach prioritizes unique, hand-picked experiences that “bring the region to life” through immersion and storytelling.

While many tour operators and DMCs have experts crafting their itineraries, Passage Journeys develops its tours alongside public figures who have specific and personal expertise in their region. These experts include TV hosts and acclaimed authors who have their own followings, making their involvement a key selling point for travelers. In some instances, the curator will personally host special departures.

When asked what kind of traveler Passage Journeys was developed for, Dennison suggested the tours were best suited for premium clients who want a balance of cultural immersion and discovery, are already well-traveled, and are interested in curated group travel.

“We want to have travelers who are really curious … and adventurous,” Dennison said.

Passage Journeys’ Inaugural Tours

According to a press release, Passage Journeys was “built around the idea that the most meaningful travel experiences begin with perspective.”

At launch, Passage Journeys has five itineraries with multiple departures, starting in March 2027. Each departure will have a maximum group size of 24 travellers, and the price includes accommodations, experiences, a tour guide, and some meals. Dennison said itineraries were intentionally built to be inclusive while leaving the freedom for travelers to choose dining options on their own.

These itineraries have been “curated” by public figures from various backgrounds who have deep roots in the destination. For example, the WWII-themed “History and Heroes of Normandy by David Eisenhower” was developed with essayist, TV host, and public policy expert David Eisenhower, who lent his lifetime of expertise to developing the Normandy itinerary. Not only is Eisenhower a dedicated historian, but he is the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, making his interest a personal one.

The inaugural 2027 itineraries include:

• The Pursuit of Happiness in Bhutan by Eric Weiner: a 13-day itinerary curated by author Eric Weiner that explores the blend of tradition and modernity nestled among the Himalayas. The four departures are in October 2027, coinciding with the Thimphu Tshechu Festival.
  
• The Soul of Japan – Living Like a Local by Pico Iyer: a 13-day journey through Japan, from the perspective of travel writer, essayist and novelist Pico Iyer. Iyer lends decades of experience to this thoughtfully paced tour through the heart of Japan. Departures are in March, October, and November 2027.
  
• History and Heroes of Normandy by David Eisenhower: a nine-day immersive tour of Normandy’s history, from its medieval roots to key events of WWII. The tour includes visits to key battlefields, memorials, and historic sites. There are two departures in summer 2027.
  
• The Living Provence by Joseph Rosendo: a nine-day exploration of France’s Provence region, curated by travel journalist Joseph Rosendo. Designed to show travelers the ‘heart and soul’ of Provence, the itinerary focuses on immersion, inviting guests to engage with local traditions while enjoying the region’s cuisine and natural beauty. Departures are in April, August, and September 2027.
  
• Florence at the Table by Carla Capalbo: a nine-day tour themed to Italy’s food and wine culture, curated by food writer, photographer, and author Carla Capalbo. Carla will join a portion of the tour (with departures in March, October, November, and December), lending her expertise on Italy’s culinary heritage.

Dennison told TMR that the 2027 collection is set, but the company will explore opportunities to expand in the future. Reservations for Passage Journeys’ 2027 tours are now open for all 2027 departures.

The Opportunity for Travel Advisors

Passage Journeys has launched with a website that invites travelers to book direct; however, Dennison said the company wants to work with travel advisors and will be investing in trade support in the future. The tours are commissionable.

“We love travel advisors,” she said, stressing the importance of the trade for the tour operator sector.

Down the road, Passage Journeys will be investing in training support, most likely webinars or possibly “cheat sheets.” Once the tour operations are in full swing, there may also be opportunities to experience the product firsthand, such as a FAM trip.

In the meantime, interested travel advisors can learn more about Passage Journeys from its website, calling 1-877-572-5160, or emailing reservations@passagejourneys.com.